Dozens of individuals sustained injuries following explosions that occurred at a school during Friday prayers in Indonesia. The blasts occurred in the Kelapa Gading neighborhood of Jakarta earlier today. Three individuals are in critical condition at the hospital, and a 17-year-old has been identified as the suspected perpetrator. Approximately 17 other students are currently hospitalized in the aftermath of the explosions.
Authorities from the Indonesian Police bomb squad are conducting examinations at the mosque located within the school where the explosions took place. Witnesses reported hearing two loud explosions shortly after midday, coinciding with the start of the sermon at the religious site.
The Jakarta Metropolitan Police are actively investigating the background of the suspect and the potential motive behind the incident that shook Kelapa Gading, a district in North Jakarta. Several other victims have received medical treatment and have been discharged, as per local media accounts.
Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad informed reporters that the suspect is undergoing surgery and is a 17-year-old male student, withholding further details. National Police Chief Listyo Sigit verified that the suspect was one of two students receiving surgery due to severe injuries from the explosions.
Sigit stated, “We have identified the suspected perpetrator. Our team is currently conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the suspect’s identity and living environment, including his residence and other details.” Police investigators are actively gathering information to determine the motive behind the incident, including how the suspect managed to assemble a toy submachine gun inscribed with specific words.
The majority of the victims suffered injuries from glass fragments and burns. The exact cause of the explosions remains unknown, but they originated near the mosque’s loudspeaker, according to Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri. The injured were promptly transported to nearby hospitals, with 20 students still receiving medical care for burns, including three in critical condition.
